Judge: Banton can perform while awaiting retrial

TAMPA, Florida (AP) - Banton must remain in his home under electronic monitoring and pay a private security team to ensure that he does not flee the country...

TheGrio Staff

Dec 3, 2010

TAMPA, Florida (AP) — Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton will perform a concert to raise money for his security and other expenses while he awaits retrial on federal drug charges in Florida.

As a condition of his release from jail last month, Banton must remain in his home under electronic monitoring and pay a private security team to ensure that he does not flee the country.

U.S. District Judge James Moody said Wednesday that Banton is allowed to perform so long as he follows security measures filed with the court. The concert is scheduled Jan. 16 in Miami.

Banton is accused of conspiring to buy cocaine from an undercover officer. He’s been nominated for a Grammy for the album “Before the Dawn,” released in September just after Moody declared a mistrial because jurors deadlocked.